Post and Telegraph Regulations 1913 (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules of 1917, No. 58, represents an amended regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916, introduced to refine the process of stamping postage on letter cards provided by private individuals. Enacted by the Governor-General, R. M. Ferguson, with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, the regulation aims to establish clearer guidelines and fees for the service, replacing Regulation 11 of the Post and Telegraph Regulations, 1913. This legislative instrument is designed to ensure that postage stamps are applied to letter cards under specified conditions, including a minimum order of 500 cards, payment of charges in advance, and the stipulation that no commission will be allowed on the value of the stamps for licensed vendors. The regulation reflects a policy objective to formalise and streamline the administrative process associated with postage stamp applications on letter cards, thereby improving the efficiency and transparency of postal services during that period.

Scope and Application

The amended regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 pertains to the conditions under which postage stamps can be impressed or printed on letter cards provided by private individuals. This regulation applies to any person or entity seeking to have postage stamps applied to letter cards in quantities of at least 500 of one size and in suitable sheets. The regulation specifies that a written application accompanied by a specimen card must be submitted to the Deputy Postmaster-General. The charges for this service include the value of the stamps and an additional two shillings per thousand cards or portion of a thousand for the stamping work, with payment required in advance. Notably, the regulation also stipulates that no commission shall be allowed on the value of the stamps impressed or printed on the letter cards for licensed vendors. This regulation, as part of the legislative instrument, extends across the Commonwealth of Australia, indicating a national jurisdictional reach, and is effective immediately upon coming into operation.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the amended Regulation under the Post and Telegraph Act 1901–1916 (section 11) permit private individuals to have postage stamps impressed or printed on letter cards provided they meet certain conditions. Firstly, a written application accompanied by a specimen card must be submitted to the Deputy Postmaster-General (section 11(a)). Secondly, at least 500 cards of one size must be presented in suitable sheets for stamping at any one time (section 11(a)). Additionally, charges must be paid in advance which include the value of the stamps and a stamping fee of two shillings per thousand cards or a portion thereof (section 11(b)). Notably, no commission shall be allowed on the value of the stamps impressed or printed on letter cards for licensed vendors (section 11(c)). The obligations imposed by the Act on the parties involved are primarily procedural and financial. Private individuals must submit a written application to the Deputy Postmaster-General, including a specimen card, before any postage stamps can be impressed or printed on their letter cards. They must also ensure that they provide at least 500 cards in suitable sheets for stamping at one time. Furthermore, these individuals must pay the required charges in advance, which include the cost of the stamps and a stamping fee. Licensed vendors should take note that they will not receive any commission on the value of the stamps they have impressed or printed. There are no explicit offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences mentioned for breach of the provisions in this particular Regulation. However, failure to comply with the conditions set forth could potentially result in the denial of the service to have postage stamps impressed or printed on letter cards. Since the Regulation does not specify any penalties, it is assumed that adherence to the outlined conditions is essential for the service to proceed, and non-compliance would simply result in the service not being provided.